News / National
Furious wife kicks hubby out, changes locks, threatens to kill
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Chaos has erupted in Mahatshula suburb after a fiery grandmother, Iren Mbanje (62), was dragged to court for allegedly unleashing terror on her husband, threatening to kill him, and locking him out of their matrimonial home.
Her estranged husband, Joseph Mbanje (68), says the woman - whose surname has drawn colourful comparisons to cannabis - turned their once quiet home into a battleground, assaulting him, hurling insults, and evicting him in a fit of rage.
"I had to run for my life. She said she'd kill me if I didn't leave," Joseph told the court, describing scenes that sound more like a drama series than a marital dispute.
After fleeing to Romney Park in fear, Joseph says he returned days later to recover his belongings - only to find the gate sealed, locks changed, and his tools and car locked inside. To make matters worse, their shared business workshop in the city was also under lockdown.
"She locked me out of the house, the yard, and the workshop," he said. "I can't even work. I just want access to my car and tools."
The explosive fallout spilled into the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court this week, where Iren appeared before magistrate Maxwell Ncube, charged with violating a protection order granted in December 2023 (Case No. PO 135/23).
The order was issued to protect Joseph from further abuse after previous violent incidents - but it appears things escalated instead.
According to court papers, Iren allegedly convened a family meeting earlier this month and declared she wanted her husband out of the house - or dead.
"She told me that I must pack and go or I'd be killed," Joseph told the court.
Iren was arrested following a report made to Queenspark Police Station and was remanded out of custody to July 1 for her next court appearance.
The saga has gripped residents of Mahatshula, with neighbours dubbing her "Granny Mbanje", claiming her temper is as wild as the plant her surname resembles.
"She's always shouting," one resident whispered. "But now we hear it's gone violent - even dangerous."
As the drama unfolds in court, Joseph says he's not after revenge - just relief and access to his property.
"I'm not trying to destroy her. I just want my things and peace of mind," he said.
Whether the couple can ever reconcile remains up in the smoke - but for now, Mahatshula has become the stage for what many are calling the most combustible domestic showdown of the year.
Her estranged husband, Joseph Mbanje (68), says the woman - whose surname has drawn colourful comparisons to cannabis - turned their once quiet home into a battleground, assaulting him, hurling insults, and evicting him in a fit of rage.
"I had to run for my life. She said she'd kill me if I didn't leave," Joseph told the court, describing scenes that sound more like a drama series than a marital dispute.
After fleeing to Romney Park in fear, Joseph says he returned days later to recover his belongings - only to find the gate sealed, locks changed, and his tools and car locked inside. To make matters worse, their shared business workshop in the city was also under lockdown.
"She locked me out of the house, the yard, and the workshop," he said. "I can't even work. I just want access to my car and tools."
The explosive fallout spilled into the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court this week, where Iren appeared before magistrate Maxwell Ncube, charged with violating a protection order granted in December 2023 (Case No. PO 135/23).
The order was issued to protect Joseph from further abuse after previous violent incidents - but it appears things escalated instead.
"She told me that I must pack and go or I'd be killed," Joseph told the court.
Iren was arrested following a report made to Queenspark Police Station and was remanded out of custody to July 1 for her next court appearance.
The saga has gripped residents of Mahatshula, with neighbours dubbing her "Granny Mbanje", claiming her temper is as wild as the plant her surname resembles.
"She's always shouting," one resident whispered. "But now we hear it's gone violent - even dangerous."
As the drama unfolds in court, Joseph says he's not after revenge - just relief and access to his property.
"I'm not trying to destroy her. I just want my things and peace of mind," he said.
Whether the couple can ever reconcile remains up in the smoke - but for now, Mahatshula has become the stage for what many are calling the most combustible domestic showdown of the year.
Source - bmetro
